I always knew that I wanted to help people in some way, but my motivation has slowly changed. I was so obsessed with helping people because it made me feel good that I missed God in it. But slowly, through meeting different people and having different experiences, I began to see what Christ actually looks like. I began to realize that it is not about me. When I look at other people, I see Jesus. I see Jesus in the homeless man freezing on the street. I see Jesus in my co-workers, friends and enemies. And that causes me to love each and every person in a way that is indescribable. Christ's love is so powerful that it causes me to strive to bring compassion and justice to the vulnerable, the weak, the hurting, the average joe, and the stingy. Everyone deserves to experience the love of Christ.
I've always had the desire to combine the media with sharing people's stories. This passion was solidified after various international experiences and when I had the opportunity to intern at Trans World Radio (TWR) for a summer. Now I have decided to commit a period of my life to share joy and hope in Johannesburg, South Africa with TWR.
TWR's ministry vision is to reach the world for Christ by mass media so that lasting fruit is produced. Project Hannah is a ministry of TWR that offers compassion, encouragement and hope to suffering women worldwide through prayer, awareness and radio programming. Their purpose is to raise awareness and empathy for the plight of women worldwide.
According to a study on violence against women, South Africa has the highest rate ever reported in research anywhere in the world. "In South Africa, statistics say someone gets raped every four minutes... the rate of murders of women in South Africa is equally troubling" (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/08/south-africa-violence-against-women_n_2837804.html).
"...feminism is the radical notion that women are human- equal in value and dignity to men- and that vision has yet to be fully realized" (http://rachelheldevans.com/blog/we-need-feminism).
My position will be the Project Hannah Regional Coordinator Assistant. I will be mentoring, coordinating the monthly prayer calendar, visiting and encouraging women, advocating and praying as well as updating the website and researching issues facing women in Africa. I will be responsible for writing, editing and proofreading different articles and publications.
Some of these women just need to know that someone cares. My goal is to love these women and share with them the hope of Christ. That there is a God who cares for them, intricately created them and has an awe-surpassing love that we could never imagine.
Thousands of letters are sent to Project Hannah each year sharing stories of changed lives. I could not be more excited to be a part of future stories.
How you can help!
I cannot leave for South Africa until I am fully funded. I am required to raise $3,000 a month (I will be in Johannesburg for three years) as well as a one time start-up amount of $20,000. (http://www.twr.org/global_staff/pearson/).
You can help by giving a monthly amount- a super quick and easy way to give is through this website where you can set up an automatic giving account (
You can also sign up for my e-newsletter as well!
Can't give at this time? You can still help!
One HUGE way that you could help is by spreading the word! Whether you live in New Jersey, Arkansas, California, or wherever, spreading the word is super easy.
1. Get me connected to your church! I would love to be able to give a presentation at your church. It is a great way to spread the word to more people. If you could help set up a meeting with me and your pastor that would be incredible.
2. Hold a small group. Whether it's a Sunday School class you attend, a Bible study, or if you'd like to invite some friends over to your house, I would absolutely love to be able to present and spread the word in a small group.
3. Share on social media! Here is a link to a short 3 minute video that explains everything that this ministry involves. If you know anyone who would be interested in supporting this type of ministry, share this video with them and help get me connected!
http://vimeo.com/105785126
These are three easy ways to help refer me to some new people. I would greatly appreciate your prayers and I hope you will join my team by giving and/or helping to spread the word!
To contact me you can email me at rpearson@twr.org.
My goal and vision would be to have all the money raised by the end of the year. That may seem impossible, but with your help I know it can happen.
Happy New Year!
